Imaging device,image display method, and user interface

ABSTRACT

A currently captured image R of an object is displayed nearly at a center portion of a display frame SC on a display screen ST 1  that is a shooting mode. When a time dial  22  is rotated for one step in the counterclockwise direction, the currently captured image R is moved rightward. A reproduced image P 1  captured before the currently captured image R is displayed on the left thereof. A reproduced image P 2  captured before the reproduced image P 1  is displayed on the left thereof. The currently captured image R and the reproduced images P 1  and P 2  are displayed at the same time on a display screen ST 2  as a co-existent state of a shooting mode and a reproducing mode. When the time dial  22  is rotated for one step in the counterclockwise direction, only the reproduced images P 1  to P 4  are displayed on a display screen ST 3  that is a reproducing mode. As a plurality of reproduced images, the reproduced images P 1  to P 4  are displayed along a time axis.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, a screendisplaying method, and a user interface that allow transitions between ashooting mode and a reproducing mode to smoothly take place.

BACKGROUND ART

Digital cameras that have a displaying device for example an LCD (LiquidCrystal Display) with a relatively large screen have been widespread.When an object is shot, the LCD is used to set a composition, an angleof view, and so forth. In addition, when a recorded image is reproduced,the LCD is used to display the reproduced image.

An electronic camera that can shoot moving images and still images andthat can display them in the order of days, months, and years of whichthey were shot along a time axis is described in the specification ofJapanese Patent No. 303324. The digital camera described in the documentdisplays captured images so that they can be easily searched for animage to be reproduced.

The conventional digital camera needed an operation of an input deviceto switch a mode between a shooting mode and a reproducing mode. As aresult, since the shooting mode and the reproducing mode were separated,for example it was difficult for the user to shoot an image whilechecking an image that has been just captured. It is preferred that auser interface of a digital camera be predictable and intuitional by aplurality of users. It can be said that such an interface has anaffinity with a user's conceptual model. The electronic camera describedin the specification of Japanese Patent No. 3403324 deals with onlyimages that were captured. Thus, the specification does not mention animage captured in the shooting mode. The specification does not mentionthat modes are switched having an affinity with the user's conceptualmodel.

In addition, when a recorded image needed to be deleted, after theshooting mode was switched to the reproducing mode, the recorded imageneeded to be deleted. Thus, the operability of the digital camera wasnot good.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an imagingapparatus, a screen displaying method, and a user interface that allow ashooting mode and a reproducing mode to be switched having an affinitywith a seamless conceptual model and thereby their operability to beimproved.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an imagingapparatus, a screen displaying method, and a user interface that allow ashooting mode and a reproducing mode to co-exist and thereby theiroperability to be improved.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

To solve the foregoing problem, a first aspect of the present inventionis an imaging apparatus, comprising: an imaging unit; a display; astorage which temporarily stores an image signal which is output fromthe imaging unit and an image signal which is output to the display; aninput unit which accepts an operation input of a user; and a controlunit which controls writing and reading of the storage,

wherein the control unit controls the storage so that a first imagesignal as an image signal of an object which the imaging unit iscurrently capturing and a second image signal which has been alreadycaptured are successively displayed along a time axis on the display,and

wherein the control unit controls the storage so that transitions fromone of a shooting mode in which the first image signal is displayed onthe display and a reproducing mode in which only the second image signalis displayed on the display to the other seamlessly take place accordingto an operation input from the input unit.

A second aspect of the present invention is a screen displaying methodof displaying image signals for an imaging apparatus having a display,the method comprising the steps of: displaying a first image signalwhich is an image signal of an object which an imaging unit is currentlycapturing on the display when a shooting mode takes place; displayingonly a second image signal which has been already captured on thedisplay when a reproducing mode takes place; and

causing transitions from one mode of the shooting mode and thereproducing mode to the other mode to seamlessly take place according toan operation input.

A third aspect of the present invention is a user interface for animaging apparatus, comprising: a display; an input unit which isoperable in at least two directions; a shooting mode in which a firstimage signal as an image of an object which an imaging unit is currentlycapturing is displayed on the display; and a reproducing mode in whichonly a second image signal which has been already captured is displayedon the display,

wherein transitions from one mode of the shooting mode and thereproducing mode to the other mode seamlessly take place according tothe directions of the operation of the input unit.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is an imaging apparatus,comprising: an imaging unit; a display; a storage which temporarilystores an image signal which is output from the imaging unit and animage signal which is output to the display; an input unit which acceptsan operation input of a user; and a control unit which controls writingand reading of the storage,

wherein the control unit controls the storage so that a first imagesignal as an image signal of an object which the imaging unit iscurrently capturing and a second image signal which has been alreadycaptured are displayed at the same time, but the first image signal andthe second image signal do not overlap.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is an image signal displayingmethod for an imaging apparatus having a display, comprising the stepof:

displaying a first image signal as an image signal of an object which animaging unit is currently capturing and a second image signal which hasbeen already captured at the same time so the first image signal and thesecond image signal do not overlap.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is a user interface for animaging apparatus having a display,

wherein a first image signal as an image signal of an object which animaging unit is currently capturing and a second image signal which hasbeen already captured at the same time are displayed so the first imagesignal and the second image signal do not overlap.

According to the present invention, regardless of whether the currentmode is the shooting mode or the reproducing mode, folders can beswitched using direction keys. In addition, with up and down keys ofdirectional keys or left and right keys thereof, folders or image filesare switched. Thus, folders and image files can be switched in the samemanner as a film changing operation and a film feeding operation. Sincefolders can be directly switched, their operations can be simplified.

In addition, according to the present invention, since an image that isbeing currently captured (this image may be hereinafter referred to as acurrently captured image) and an image that has been capturedimmediately after the currently captured image and that has been recoded(this image may be hereinafter referred to as a recoded image) aredisplayed at the same time, while the recorded image is being observed,a newly shot object, its composition, and so forth can be decided. Inaddition, according to the present invention, since the shooting modeand the reproducing mode co-exist, the modes can be seamlessly switched.In addition, while an image is being captured, a recorded image can bedeleted without need to switch the modes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a structure of an imaging apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram describing one example and another exampleof a time dial according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram describing an arrangement of images alonga time axis according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram describing data stored in an internalrecord medium and displayed according to the embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing transitions of display screens ona wide LCD when modes are switched.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing transitions of operations when modes areswitched.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing animations of transitions ofdisplay screens on the wide LCD when modes are switched.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing transitions of display screens onthe wide LCD when a shutter button is pressed.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing transitions of display screens onthe wide LCD when a deleting operation is performed with a deletebutton.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram describing switching of modes andtransitions of display screens with a cross key as an operation keyaccording to the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram describing a process of enlarging aselected reproduced image and displaying it in the reproducing mode.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram describing a process of reducing aselected reproduced image and displaying it in the reproducing mode.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing transitions of display screens onan LCD having an aspect ratio of (4:3) when modes are switched.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing animations of transitions ofdisplay screens on the LCD having the aspect ratio of (4:3) when modesare switched.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Next, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment of thepresent invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows an example of astructure of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. In FIG. 1, a block surrounded by dotted lines is a processingunit controlled by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1.

The processing unit 1 is composed of an internal record medium 3, forexample a RAM, an image processing unit 4, an external interface 5, anRGB processing unit 6, a signal processing unit 7, and a video outputprocessing unit 8. An operating unit 9 is connected to the CPU 2.Signals corresponding to operations for a shutter and so forth disposedon the operating unit 9 are supplied to the CPU 2.

Data of which an image signal has been compressed according to forexample JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) are recorded to anexternal record medium 11 through a media processing unit 10. Theexternal record medium 11 is an optical disc, a memory card, or the likeon which data can be written.

An image signal captured by a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 12 that is animage sensor is supplied to the signal processing unit 7. The signalprocessing unit 7 processes the captured image signal. The signalprocessing unit 7 outputs the image signal captured by the CCD 12regardless of an input from the operating unit 9. The captured imagesignal is stored in the internal record medium 3. While an object isbeing captured, an image stored in the internal record medium 3 isusually updated. Data writing, data reading, and so forth for theinternal record medium 3 are controlled by the CPU 2.

The captured image signal is supplied from the internal record medium 3to the RGB processing unit 6 through the signal processing unit 7. Adisplay image signal formed by the RGB processing unit 6 is supplied toan LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 13 that is a display unit. For example,the LCD 13 is disposed on the rear surface of the camera body. Not onlyan image signal captured by the CCD 12 and an image signal that is readfrom the external record medium 11 through the media processing unit 10are displayed on the LCD 13.

When the shutter of the operating unit 9 is pressed, the image signalstored in the internal record medium 3 is converted into for example aJPEG image file by the image processing unit 4. The image file is storedas data different from a captured image signal to the internal recordmedium 3. The image file that is read from the internal record medium 3is stored in the external record medium 11 through the media processingunit 10.

A captured image is always updated and displayed on the LCD 13. Thecaptured image and OSD data such as a reduced image of recorded imagedata and icons are combined by the signal processing unit 7 anddisplayed on the LCD 13. The OSD (On Screen Display) is a general termthat denotes a memory area and a mechanism that prepare data of iconsand so forth that are combined with a real time image captured by thecamera.

When OSD data are generated, latest image data recorded on the externalrecord medium 11 are obtained. The image processing unit 4 converts theobtained image data into image data corresponding to a size of the OSD.The converted image data are stored in an OSD display area of theinternal record medium 3. When an OSD display size image correspondingto an image that has been just captured is stored in the internal recordmedium 3, it is not necessary to read data from the external recordmedium 11. The image processing unit 4 is controlled by the CPU 2 sothat the image processing unit 4 performs an enlarging or reducingprocess for an image to be displayed corresponding to user's operationsfor keys and so forth on the operating unit 9.

An analog color video signal is supplied from the video outputprocessing unit 8 and extracted from a video output terminal (notshown). When an external monitor 14 is connected to the video outputterminal, an image stored in the internal record medium 3 or theexternal record medium 11 can be displayed on the external monitor 14.In addition, for example a printer 15 is connected to the externalinterface 5. The printer 15 can print an image.

The operating unit 9 includes a time axis operation dial. FIG. 2A showsan example of the time axis operation dial. A time axis operation dial22 a slightly protrudes from a rear surface and a side surface of acamera body 21. In an example shown in FIG. 2B, a time axis operationdial 22 b is disposed on a top surface of the camera body 21.

The time axis operation dials 22 a and 22 b have the same shape andsense of operation as a windup dial of a sliver salt film camera. Inother words, the time axis operation dials 22 a and 22 b can be rotatedfor a predetermined amount in each step. Viewed from the top surface ofthe camera body 21, the time axis operation dials 22 a and 22 b can berotated in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction.In the following description, the time axis operation dials 22 a and 22b are generally referred to as the time dial 22.

Instead of the dial, the time axis may be operated by an input devicesuch as a cross key, a roller, a track ball, a touch panel, or the like.When edge portions of a cross shape operation portion of the cross key(these edge portions are referred to as a left button, a right button,an up button, and a down button) are pressed, moving directions of thecursor are designated to upward, downward, leftward, and right ward,respectively. The time dial 22 is not limited to a mechanical structure.Instead, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that operates buttons or thelike on the display screen may be used.

FIG. 3 describes images displayed on the LCD 13 according to theembodiment. Reference letter R denotes an image that is currently beingcaptured (hereinafter this image may be referred to as a currentlycaptured image). Reference letter P denotes an image that has beencaptured and that is reproduced in the reproducing mode (thereinafterthis image may be referred to as a reproduced image). The currentlycaptured image R is followed by reproduced images P1, P2, P3, and soforth and arranged along the time axis. In FIG. 3, the right directiondenotes a direction from the past to the present on the time axis,whereas the left direction denotes a direction from the present to thepast on the time axis.

The LCD 13 may be either an LCD having an aspect ratio of 4 to 3 or awide LCD having an aspect ratio of for example 16 to 9. In FIG. 3,reference letter SC denotes a display frame for the wide LCD. In thiscase, the currently captured image R and the reproduced images P1 and P2are displayed at the same time. As will be described later, whenever thetime dial 22 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction viewed fromthe top surface of the camera body 21, the time axis is varied from thepresent to the past.

To easily distinguish the currently captured image R from the reproducedimage P, the size of the currently captured image R is larger than thatof the reproduced image P. Instead, with different shape icons added tothe currently captured image R and the reproduced image P, they may bedistinguished.

FIG. 4 schematically shows display data that form images displayed onthe LCD 13 and that are stored in the internal record medium 3. Thecurrently captured image R shown in FIG. 4A is stored in the internalrecord medium 3. During the shooting mode, even if the operating unit 9is not operated, the currently captured image R is updated at intervalsof a frame or the like.

FIG. 4B shows OSD data that are stored in the internal record medium 3besides the currently captured data R. The OSD data are data of iconscombined with the currently captured data R. According to the embodimentof the present invention, the reproduced images P1 and P2 of a pluralityof recently recorded images are stored in a storage area MC of theinternal record medium 3 corresponding to the display frame SC. Thereproduced image data P1 and P2 are read from the external record medium11, decoded and size-reduced by the image processing unit 4, and thenstored in the internal record medium 3. When there are OSD display sizeimages corresponding to images that have been just captured, it is notnecessary to read data from the external record medium 11.

The size of the reproduced images P1 and P2 is smaller than that of thecurrently captured image R. Depending on the size of the image, the typethereof can be identified. The OSD data contain an icon 31 thatindicates a currently captured image and an icon 32 that indicates areproduced image. With these icons 31 and 32, the user can easilyidentify the types of the images. In the following description,illustrations of the icons 31 and 32 will be omitted. The OSD data maybe composed of data having a plurality of hierarchical levels. As shownin FIG. 4C, the currently captured image R and the OSD data are combinedand displayed on the wide type LCD 13.

Next, with reference to FIG. 5, transitions of display screens that takeplace when modes are switched will be described. In an example shown inFIG. 5, the display frame SC of the LCD 13 disposed on the rear surfaceof the digital camera is a wide type LCD having an aspect ratio of forexample (16:9). Reference letter ST1 denotes a display screen thatappears in a shooting mode. An image R of an object currently capturedthrough a lens is displayed nearly at a center portion of the displayframe SC. In the shooting mode, when a shutter button 24 is pressed, theobject can be shot.

A plurality of keys, buttons, and so forth are disposed on the rearsurface of the digital camera. They are for example a menu button 25 anda delete button 26.

When the time dial 22 is rotated with the thumb or the like of the userfor one step in the counterclockwise direction viewed from the topsurface of the camera body 21, the currently captured image R is movedrightward. The reproduced image P1 that has been just captured andobtained is displayed on the left of the currently captured image R. Thereproduced image P2 captured before the reproduced image P1 is displayedon the left thereof. The display screen ST2 on which the currentlycaptured image R and the reproduced images P1 and P2 are displayed atthe same time is a co-existent state of the shooting mode and thereproducing mode. While the user is watching an image that has been justcaptured, he or she can decide a composition and so forth of an imagethat he or she will shoot.

When the time dial 22 is rotated for one more step in thecounterclockwise direction viewed from the top surface of the camerabody 21, a display screen ST3 appears on which only the reproducedimages P1, P2, P3, and P4 are displayed. This state is the reproducingmode. A plurality of reproduced images P1, P2, P3, and P4 are displayedalong the time axis.

FIG. 5 shows transitions of screens from the present to the past thattake place when the time dial 22 is rotated in the counterclockwisedirection viewed from the top surface of the camera body 21. When thetime dial 22 is rotated in the clockwise direction viewed from the topsurface of the camera body 21, transitions of screens from the past tothe present take place. When the time dial 22 is rotated, the shootingmode and the reproducing mode can be switched as seamless operations.The rotating operation of the time dial 22, the mode switching, and theimage switching have an affinity with the user's conceptual model. Thus,they have an excellent operability. Instead, the shooting mode and thereproducing mode may be directly switched not through the co-existentstate thereof.

FIG. 6 shows transitions of operations that take place when the timedial 22 is rotated. When the time dial 22 is rotated in thecounterclockwise direction viewed from the top surface of the camerabody 21, the operations change from the top to the bottom shown in FIG.6. In contrast, when the time dial 22 is rotated in the clockwisedirection viewed from the top surface of the camera body 21, operationschange from the bottom to the top shown in FIG. 6. When the time dial 22is rotated for one step (at step S2) in the shooting mode (step S1) inwhich only the currently captured image R is displayed, the co-existentstate of the shooting mode and the reproducing mode in which both thecurrently captured image R and the reproduced image P are displayedtakes place (at step S3).

When the time dial 22 is rotated for one step at step S4, thereproducing mode in which only reproduced images are displayed takesplace (at step S5). When the time dial 22 is rotated for one step in thereproducing mode (at step S6), reproduced images are moved one by onealong the time axis and displayed (at step S7).

When the time dial 22 is rotated in the reverse direction (in thecounterclockwise direction viewed from the top surface of the camerabody 21) in the reproducing mode, images are changed from the past tothe latest along the time axis. When the time dial 22 is rotated for onestep at relatively low speed, images are moved for one position each.When the time dial 22 is rotated for one step at high speed, images maybe moved for a plurality of positions each.

When the time dial 22 is rotated in the reverse direction at high speed,in the state at step S5, the moving of images is momentarily stopped. Inother words, even if the time dial 22 is rotated, the moving ofreproduced images is stopped. After a momentary stop time elapsed, theco-existent state of the shooting mode and the reproducing mode of stepS3 takes place. Since the momentary stop state is provided, the user canknow that the reproducing mode is switched to the shooting mode. Sincethe moving of reproduced images stops for a short time, it does notprevent modes from being seamlessly switched.

To further improve the affinity with the user's conceptual model, it ispreferred that the shooting mode, the co-existent mode of the shootingmode and reproducing mode, and the reproducing mode be indicated withanimations corresponding to the operations of the time dial 22. FIG. 7shows examples of animations of transitions of screens.

When the time dial 22 is rotated for one step in the counterclockwisedirection viewed from the top surface of the camera body 21 while adisplay screen ST11 appears on which only the currently captured image Ris displayed, a display screen ST13 on which the currently capturedimage R and reproduced images P1 and P2 are displayed appears through atransition display screen ST12. On the transition display screen ST12between the display screens ST11 and ST13, while the time dial 22 isbeing rotated, the currently captured image R is gradually movedrightward and reproduced images are gradually entered from the left.

When the time dial 22 is rotated for one more step, as displayed on atransition display screen ST14, the currently captured image R isgradually moved rightward and exited from the display frame SC.Thereafter, a display screen ST15 appears on which only the reproducedimages P1, P2, and P3 are displayed as a reproducing mode. In thereproducing mode, a frame-shaped cursor denoted by solid lines indicatesthe reproduced image P1 that is being currently focused. When the timedial 22 is rotated for one more step, the reproduced image P1 is exitedfrom the screen and then the reproduced image P2 is focused.

As described above, when the time dial 22 is rotated, a plurality ofimages arranged one-dimensionally along the time axis are slid in thehorizontal direction of the display screen so that the currentlycaptured image R is followed by reproduced images.

Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the case of which a cross key 27 is usedwill be described. Reference letter ST101 denotes a normal displayscreen that appears when the power is turned on. A currently capturedimage R of an object that is being captured through the lens and areproduced image P1 that has been just captured and obtained aredisplayed so that the currently captured image R is followed by thereproduced image P1 on the left thereof and they do not overlap. Sincethe currently captured image R and the reproduced image P1 do notoverlap, the currently captured image can be prevented from beingobstructed by the reproduced image. The reproduced image P1 is followedby a reproduced image P2 on the left thereof.

The display screen ST101 on which the currently captured image R andreproduced images P1 and P2 are displayed at the same time is aco-existent state of the shooting mode and the reproducing mode. Inother words, when the shutter button 24 is pressed while the displayscreen ST101 appears, a new image can be recorded and a desired imagecan be displayed as a reproduced image. Thus, while the user is watchingan image that has been just captured, he or she can decide a compositionand so forth of an image that he or she will shoot.

When the shutter button 24 is pressed while the display screen ST101appears, animations of transitions to a display screen ST103 through atransition display screen ST102 appear. On the transition display screenST102, the size of the currently captured image R is gradually decreasedand the currently captured image R is moved leftward. On the displayscreen ST103, a currently captured image R′ of the object is followed bya reproduced (recorded) image P0 derived from the captured image R onthe left of the currently captured image R′. The reproduced image P0 isfollowed by a reproduced image P1 on the left thereof. The transitiondisplay screen ST102 momentarily appears. The animations of transitionsallow the user to know that the currently captured image R was changedto the reproduced image P0. The display screen ST103 allows any of theshooting mode and the reproducing mode to take place.

FIG. 9 shows transitions of screens in the co-existent state of theshooting mode and the reproducing mode in which the currently capturedimage R and the reproduced images P1 and P2 are displayed at the sametime when a delete button 26 is pressed. When the delete button 26 ispressed while the transition screen ST111 appears, transitions to adisplay screen ST112 take place.

A frame shaped cursor C is displayed at a position corresponding to thereproduced image P1 so that the cursor indicates that the reproducedimage P1 has been selected. A deletion dialog 28 is displayed at theposition of the currently captured image R. When the left button of thecross key 27 is pressed, a reproduced image on the left of the cursor C(namely, a reproduced image earlier than the reproduced image at theposition of the cursor C) can be selected. The deletion dialog 28 has“delete” and “end” which can be selected by the up and down buttons ofthe cross key 27. The selected item is highlighted.

While the cursor C indicates the reproduced image P1 and the “DELETE” ofthe deletion dialog 28 is highlighted on the display screen ST112, whenan “OK” key is pressed, the selected reproduced image P1 is deleted.When the left or right button of the cross key 27 is operated, an imageto be deleted is selected. The “OK” key is a mechanical key disposed onthe camera body, a GUI key, a center portion of the cross key 27, or thelike. According to this embodiment of the present invention, a desiredreproduced image (captured image) can be deleted without need to switchfrom the shooting mode to the reproducing mode.

Next, with reference to FIG. 10, another example of an operation usingthe cross key 27 will be described. On a display screen ST21 shown inFIG. 10, a currently captured image R and reproduced images P1 and P2are displayed in the display frame SC of the LCD 13. In other words, thedisplay screen ST21 is a co-existent state of the shooting mode and thereproducing mode. When the menu button 25 is pressed in this state, amenu with respect to the shooting mode is displayed in the display frame13.

When the left button of the cross key 27 is pressed, a display screenST22 appears on which the frame-shaped cursor C indicates the reproducedimage P1. The state of which the reproduced image P1 is selected is thereproducing mode. An arrow cursor is also displayed beside the cursor C.The arrow cursor indicates that images on the left can be selected. Whenthe menu button 25 is pressed in the reproducing mode, a menu withrespect to the reproducing mode is displayed in the display frame SC.

When the left button of the cross key 27 is pressed again, animations oftransitions to a display screen ST24 through a transition display screenST23 appear. The transition display screen ST23 momentarily appears. Onthe display screen ST24, the currently captured image R is exited fromthe display frame SC. The cursor C indicates the reproduced image P2.Since reproduced images can be switched in both the directions, arrowcursors are displayed on both the sides.

When the left button of the cross key 27 is pressed again, animations oftransitions to a display screen through a transition display screen ST25appear. The transition display screen ST25 momentarily appears. On thedisplay screen ST26, the cursor C indicates the reproduced image P3.Since reproduced images can be switched in both the directions, arrowcursors are displayed on both the sides.

With the cross key 27, modes can be seamlessly switched. In addition,images can be switched having an affinity with the user's conceptualmodel. In the reproducing mode, a reproduced image indicated by thecursor C can be displayed in an enlarged size or a reduced size.

Next, with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the reproducing mode willbe described in detail. In the state that a desired reproduced image isselected with the time dial 22 or the cross key 27, the selected imagecan be displayed in an enlarged size or a reduced size.

FIG. 11 shows transitions of screens when a reproduced image isdisplayed in an enlarged size. A display screen ST26 is the same as thelast display screen shown in FIG. 10. First, a tele key or “OK” key ispressed. The tele key is a mechanical key disposed on the camera body, aGUI key, or the like. The “OK” key is a mechanical key disposed on thecamera body, a GUI key, a center switch of the cross key 27, or thelike.

Animations of transitions of display screens until a display screen ST28through a transition display screen ST27 appear according to theoperation of the tele key or the “OK” key. Enlarged reproduced imagesP21, P31, and P41 displayed on the transition display screen ST27 areslightly larger than the original reproduced images P2, P3, and P4,respectively. An enlarged reproduced image P32 displayed at the centerposition on the display screen ST28 is larger than the reproduced imageP31. When the selected reproduced image P3 is displayed as an enlargedimage P32, the contents of the reproduced image P3 can be easilychecked.

When the right button of the cross key 27 is pressed or the arrow cursor→ is pressed on the display screen ST28, the cursor C is moved rightwardand enlarged reproduced images are moved as files. As a result,animations of transitions of display screens to a display screen ST30through a transition display screen ST29 appear. The enlarged reproducedimage P32 is displayed at the center position of the display screenST30. Thus, enlarged images can be also moved as files.

FIG. 12 shows transitions of screens when an image is displayed in areduced size. A display screen ST26 is the same as the last displayscreen shown in FIG. 10. First, a wide key or the “OK” key is pressed.The wide key is a mechanical key of the camera body, a GUI key, or thelike. The “OK” keys is a mechanical key disposed on the camera body, aGUI key, the center switch of the cross key 27, or the like.

Animations of transitions of display screens until a display screen ST38through a transition display screen ST37 appear according to theoperation of the wide key or the “OK” key. Reduced reproduced imagesP13, P24, P33, P43, and P54 displayed on the transition display screenST37 are slightly smaller than original reproduced images P1, P2, P3,and P4, respectively. A reduced reproduced image P34 displayed at thecenter position on the display screen ST38 is smaller than thereproduced image P33. When the selected reproduced image P3 is displayedas the reduced image P34, the contents of a plurality of reproducedimages followed by and preceded by the reproduced image P3 can be easilychecked.

When the left button of the cross key 27 is pressed or the arrow cursor← is pressed on the display screen ST38, the cursor C is moved leftwardand reduced reproduced images are moved as files. As a result,animations of transitions of display screens to a display screen ST40through a transmission display screen ST39 appear. A reduced reproducedimage P44 is displayed at the center position of the display screenST40. Thus, reduced images can be moved as files.

In the foregoing description, the display frame SC of the LCD 13 is anoblong wide screen. However, according to the present invention, an LCDhaving a display frame SC whose aspect ratio is (4:3) may be usedinstead of the wide screen. In FIG. 13, reference letter SC′ denotes adisplay frame whose aspect ratio is (4:3). Reference letter ST41 denotesa display screen that is a shooting mode. A currently captured image Rof an object through a lens is displayed nearly at the center portion ofthe display frame SC. When the shutter button 24 is pressed in theshooting mode, the object can be shot.

When the time dial 22 is rotated for one step in the counterclockwisedirection viewed from the top surface of the camera body 21, thecurrently captured image R is reduced and moved rightward. A reproducedimage P1 captured immediately before the currently captured image R isdisplayed on the left thereof. A display screen ST42 on which both thecurrently captured image R and the reproduced image P1 are displayed atthe same time is a co-existent state of the shooting mode and thereproducing mode. While the user is watching an image that has been justcaptured, he or she can select a new image that he or she will shoot.

When the time dial 22 is rotated for one more step in thecounterclockwise direction viewed from the top surface of the camerabody 21, a display screen ST43 appears on which only reproduced imagesP1, P2, and P3 are displayed. This state is the reproducing mode. Aplurality of reproduced images P1, P2, and P3 are displayed along thetime axis.

FIG. 13 shows transitions of screens from the present to the past thattake place when the time dial 22 is rotated in the counterclockwisedirection viewed from the top surface of the camera body 21. When thetime dial 22 is rotated in the clockwise direction viewed from the topsurface of the camera body 21, transitions of screens from the past tothe present take place. When the time dial 22 is rotated, the shootingmode and the reproducing mode can be seamlessly switched.

The transitions of the shooting mode, the co-existent mode of theshooting mode and the reproducing mode, and the reproducing mode arerepresented by animations according to operations of the time dial 22.FIG. 14 shows examples of animations of transitions of screens.

When the time dial 22 is rotated for one step in the counterclockwisedirection viewed from the top surface of the camera body 21 on a displayscreen ST51 on which only a currently captured image R is displayed,transitions of display screens through a transition display screen ST52to a display screen ST53 take place on which the currently capturedimage R and reproduced images P1 and P2 are displayed at the same time.While the time dial 22 is being rotated, the currently captured image Ris gradually moved rightward and a reproduced image is gradually enteredfrom the left of the screen between the display screens ST51 and ST53.The reproduced image P1 is displayed adjacent to the currently capturedimage R on the display screen ST53.

When the time dial 22 is rotated for one more step, the currentlycaptured image R is gradually moved rightward and exited from thedisplay frame SC′ as shown on a transition display screen ST54.Thereafter, a display screen ST55 appears. Only the reproduced imagesP1, P2, and P3 are displayed on the display screen ST55 that is areproducing mode. In the reproducing mode, a frame-shaped cursor denotedby solid lines indicates the reproduced image P1 that is being currentlyfocused. When the time dial 22 is rotated for one more step, thereproduced image P1 is exited from the screen and the reproduced imageP2 is focused (not shown).

The present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiment.Instead, various modifications and ramifications may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Forexample, the present invention is not limited to a digital camera thatrecords still images. Instead, the present invention may be applied toan imaging apparatus that records moving images and an imaging apparatusthat can record both still images and moving images. When a moving imageis recorded, for example the top image thereof is displayed on an LCD orthe like.

1. An imaging apparatus, comprising: an imaging unit; a display; astorage which temporarily stores an image signal which is output fromthe imaging unit and an image signal which is output to the display; aninput unit which accepts an operation input of a user; and a controlunit which controls writing and reading of the storage, wherein thecontrol unit controls the storage so that a first image signal as animage signal of an object which the imaging unit is currently capturingand a second image signal which has been already captured aresuccessively displayed along a time axis on the display, and wherein thecontrol unit controls the storage so that transitions from one of ashooting mode in which the first image signal is displayed on thedisplay and a reproducing mode in which only the second image signal isdisplayed on the display to the other seamlessly take place according toan operation input from the input unit.
 2. The imaging apparatus as setforth in claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the storage so thata plurality of the second image signals are displayed on the display. 3.The imaging apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the input unit isa dial which is rotatable in both directions, and wherein the controlunit controls the storage so that the directions of the operations ofthe dial match the directions of the time axis.
 4. The imaging apparatusas set forth in claim 1, wherein the input unit is a cross key, andwherein the control unit controls the storage so that the directions ofthe operations of the cross key match the directions of the time axis.5. The imaging apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: ashooting and reproducing co-existent mode in which both the first imagesignal and the second image signal are displayed, wherein when theshooting mode takes place, the control unit controls the storage so thatonly the first image signal is displayed and when transitions from theshooting mode to the reproducing mode take place, the control unitcontrols the storage so that the transitions are intermediated by theshooting and reproducing co-existent mode.
 6. The imaging apparatus asset forth in claim 1, wherein when the reproducing mode takes place, thecontrol unit controls the storage so that the second image signals whichare different are displayed along the time axis according to anoperation of the input apparatus.
 7. The imaging apparatus as set forthin claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the storage so thattransitions from the reproducing mode to the shooting mode areintermediated by a momentary stop state.
 8. A screen displaying methodof displaying image signals for an imaging apparatus having a display,the method comprising the steps of: displaying a first image signalwhich is an image signal of an object which an imaging unit is currentlycapturing on the display when a shooting mode takes place; displayingonly a second image signal which has been already captured on thedisplay when a reproducing mode takes place; and causing transitionsfrom one mode of the shooting mode and the reproducing mode to the othermode to seamlessly take place according to an operation input.
 9. Thescreen displaying method as set forth in claim 8, wherein the firstimage signal and the second image signals are displayed so thatdirections of the operation input match directions of the first imagesignal and the second image signal on the time axis.
 10. The screendisplaying method as set forth in claim 8, wherein a plurality of thesecond image signals are displayed on the display.
 11. The screendisplaying method as set forth in claim 8, further comprising the stepof: providing a shooting and reproducing co-existent mode in which boththe first image signal and the second image signal are displayed,wherein when the shooting mode takes place, only the first image signalis displayed and when transitions from the shooting mode to thereproducing mode take place, the transitions are intermediated by theshooting and reproducing co-existent mode.
 12. The screen displayingmethod as set forth in claim 8, wherein when the reproducing mode takesplace, the second image signals which are different are displayed alongthe time axis according to an operation input.
 13. The screen displayingmethod as set forth in claim 8, wherein transitions from the reproducingmode to the shooting mode are intermediated by a momentary stop state.14. A user interface for an imaging apparatus, comprising: a display; aninput unit which is operable in at least two directions; a shooting modein which a first image signal as an image of an object which an imagingunit is currently capturing is displayed on the display; and areproducing mode in which only a second image signal which has beenalready captured is displayed on the display, wherein transitions fromone mode of the shooting mode and the reproducing mode to the other modeseamlessly take place according to the directions of the operation ofthe input unit.
 15. An imaging apparatus, comprising: an imaging unit; adisplay; a storage which temporarily stores an image signal which isoutput from the imaging unit and an image signal which is output to thedisplay; an input unit which accepts an operation input of a user; and acontrol unit which controls writing and reading of the storage, whereinthe control unit controls the storage so that a first image signal as animage signal of an object which the imaging device is currentlycapturing and a second image signal which has been already captured aredisplayed at the same time, but the first image signal and the secondimage signal do not overlap.
 16. The imaging apparatus as set forth inclaim 15, wherein the first image signal is different from the secondimage signal in their sizes.
 17. The imaging apparatus as set forth inclaim 15, wherein an icon or a cursor is added to at least one of thefirst image signal and the second image signal.
 18. The imagingapparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein while the first image signaland the second image signal are being displayed at the same time, thecontrol unit controls the storage according to an operation of a shutterbutton so that an image signal of a new object which the imaging unit iscurrently capturing is displayed as a new first image signal and theformer first image signal is displayed as a new second image signal. 19.The imaging apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein while the firstimage signal and the second image signal are being displayed at the sametime, the second image signal is deleted according to a pressingoperation of a delete button.
 20. An image signal displaying method foran imaging apparatus having a display, comprising the step of:displaying a first image signal as an image signal of an object which animaging unit is currently capturing and a second image signal which hasbeen already captured at the same time so the first image signal and thesecond image signal do not overlap.
 21. A user interface for an imagingapparatus having a display, wherein a first image signal as an imagesignal of an object which an imaging unit is currently capturing and asecond image signal which has been already captured at the same time aredisplayed so that the first image signal and the second image signal donot overlap.